Both Bosnia-Herzegovina and Cyprus are gearing up for a crucial World Cup qualifying match at the Bilino Polje Stadium in Zenica on Monday, March 24, 2025. This match marks a significant clash in Group H of the UEFA qualifiers as both teams look to maintain their winning momentum following successful starts to the campaign.
After a prolonged winless streak, Bosnia-Herzegovina finally found success last Friday with a 1-0 victory over Romania in Bucharest. The match was characterized by a robust performance despite Bosnia holding only 34% of possession and being outshot 15-5. The only goal of the match came from 21-year-old Armin Gigović, who netted early on, allowing the team to secure the three points. This win was especially vital for a team that had suffered ten losses in their previous twelve matches.
On the other hand, Cyprus also enters this match on a high note, claiming a 2-0 victory against San Marino in their first qualifying match. Goals from Ioannis Pittas and Andronikos Kakoullis sealed the win for Cyprus, showcasing their attacking prowess, particularly in the second half when they controlled the game with an impressive 26-5 shot count.
Historically, the head-to-head record between these two sides has been competitive, with both Bosnia and Cyprus having won two of their four previous encounters. In their last meeting during the World Cup qualifying campaign on August 31, 2017, Cyprus edged out Bosnia with a 3-2 win. However, Bosnia bounced back in their subsequent encounter on October 10, 2016, winning 2-0 at home.
The match in Zenica sets a stage not only for pride but for crucial points in this early phase of the qualifiers. Current coaching changes and player performances will play a huge role in determining the outcome. Bosnia's manager, Sergej Barbarez, has emphasized the need to build on their recent success, rallying a young squad that includes players like Amar Memic, who debuted against Romania. Notably, their long-serving captain Edin Dzeko, who recently celebrated his 140th cap, brings experience and leadership to a side eager to put past disappointments behind them.
As for Cyprus, under the guidance of manager Apostolos Mantzios, the squad remains unchanged from previous selections, focusing on tactical adjustments to exploit any weaknesses in the Bosnia defense. With Nikolas Ioannou's absence due to injury, the defensive line will face additional scrutiny as they battle against a new, revitalized Bosnian offense.
Looking further into the statistics, one notable trend to consider is that Bosnia has been prolific at home, with seven of their last eleven home fixtures yielding three or more goals. In contrast, Cyprus has struggled on the road, leaking three or more goals in nine of their last fourteen away matches. This could present an opportunity for Bosnia to capitalize on.
The critical aspect for Bosnia will be controlling the midfield and maintaining the shape they exhibited against Romania. With Gigović showing promising form, and the additional firepower expected from Dzeko, they might have the upper hand. Conversely, Cyprus must aim to sharpen their defensive setup while taking advantage of counterattacking situations.
This match is not only pivotal for standings but also for the confidence of both teams. Bosnia-Herzegovina seeks to solidify their grasp of the qualifiers after taking a step forward, while Cyprus hopes to further their odds with another victory. With stakes high and both teams eager to earn their place in the World Cup, fans should expect an intense match filled with competitive spirit and allure.
The kickoff for this match is set for 3:45 PM ET or 12:45 PM PT, and it promises to deliver an exhilarating afternoon of football as fans tune into their respective channels to watch the action unfold live from Zenica.
